From Victor Edozie, Port Harcourt
Thousands of residents Rivers State from the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State on Thursday gathered at the Government House, Port Harcourt, to welcome Governor Similayi Fubara.
Governor Fubara who was suspended by the proclamation of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu six months ago, is expected to resume office on Thursday following the lifting of the emergency rule by the president.
Different groups comprising of men, women and youths, have been at the entrance gate of the Government House, Port Harcourt, as early as dawn, to welcome the governor back to office to resume democratic governance in the state.
The crowd most of who came with different dancing troops, took over the stretch of the popular UTC Junction to Azikiwe Road up to the Government House.
The crowd caused serious traffic gridlock as motorists battled to meander through the chaotic traffic situation.
Many residents also resorted to long trekking because of the difficult traffic situation within precinct of Government House.
Governor Fubara is however, as at 6:30pm, yet to make public appearance in the state since the emergency rule was lifted, but sources at Government House said the governor will soon arrive to take charge of the affairs of the state.
Some of the jubilant residents at the Government House who spoke with our reporter expressed joy that democratic governance has been restored in the State.
Peter Aboh, a resident of Port Harcourt said he was happy that democratic governance has been restored in the State.
“Yes many of us abandoned what we are doing to come and rejoice with the governor on his reinstatement as a democratically elected governor of Rivers State.
“We are happy and that is why you see this surging crowd. We thank God that democracy have finally come to stay in Rivers State.
Another resident, Jack Peterside commended president Almed Tinubu for lifting the state of emergency in Rivers State.
“I want to use this opportunity to commend President Tinubu for lifting the state of emergency which suspended all the democratic structures in the State.
“We are happy and that is the reason why we have come to celebrate with our governor. We are grateful to president Almed Tinubu for restoration of democratic structures in the State we want to also congratulate our governor for his reinstatement after the 6 months suspension,” he said.
